The teams forged quite a rivalry in the opening round of last year’s playoffs when Regina upset the Central Division champions in five games.

It’s safe to assume the Hurricanes haven’t forgotten that series and would love to repay the favour.

“I’m sure they’re feeling that way,” said Pats head coach/GM John Paddock. “They would like to turn the tables. As we know, the opposition — them for us, us for them — has a say in the games. We expect to have a say in that.”

Lethbridge opened last year’s series with a 6-3 victory, but it was all downhill from there. Regina won the next four contests by a combined score of 15-4, shutting down the league’s most explosive offence.

There were also some heated moments during the series that could be rekindled when the teams renew acquaintances Friday night at the Brandt Centre.

“It’ll come back tomorrow when we watch video on them,” noted Pats defenceman Connor Hobbs. “It’ll bring up old rivalries. It’s going to make it a lot of fun.”

The Hurricanes were No. 2 in the conference last year — coming off a 46-win campaign — when they crossed paths with the Pats, who finished 14 points back and claimed a wildcard playoff berth.

This time the roles are reversed.

Regina is the presumed favourite after claiming the league’s regular-season title (52-12-7-1) and scoring more goals than any WHL team since 1995-96.

The Hurricanes overcame a slow start to finish third in the conference (44-21-4-3). In fact, they ran neck and neck with the Pats after Nov. 18, posting a league-best record of 37-10-3-1 (Regina went 36-10-4-1).

“They’re a good team,” said Pats centre Sam Steel. “We saw them last year in playoffs. They have a lot of new guys but their top-end guys are still there. Every team that you play in playoffs, there is a little bit of a rivalry. I wouldn’t say there’s too much carryover but it’s in the back of our minds.

“It’s going to be a great series.”

The Pats and Hurricanes met twice in the regular season, with each side winning twice. Regina took advantage of the Canes’ early struggles, recording a pair of blowout victories in October (7-2 and 6-1). Lethbridge responded with two wins in the second half (5-4 in OT and 4-1).

Both teams are coming off tough second-round matchups that went the full seven games. Regina finished off the Swift Current Broncos on Monday while Lethbridge eliminated the Medicine Hat Tigers on Tuesday.

“The best team won,” said Paddock, who attended Game 7 in Medicine Hat. “When I say that, it’s a team game. (The Hurricanes) were missing half a dozen players and they found a way to win. They’re 7-and-3 in their last 10 playoff games so I would say that indicates it’s a pretty difficult match.”

The Pats and Hurricanes have both overcome 3-1 deficits in the 2017 playoffs. Regina did it in the second round versus Swift Current while Lethbridge came back to beat the Red Deer Rebels in the first round.

Since then, the Hurricanes have been dealing with a rash of injuries. They ended the series versus Medicine Hat without defenceman Calen Addison along with forwards Matt Alfaro, Zak Zborosky, Ryan Vandervlis and Zane Franklin.

Alfaro and Zborosky — acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Kootenay Ice — helped their new team enjoy a second-half surge.

However, it’s the usual suspects who continue to drive the bus, led by captain Tyler Wong.

The 20-year-old forward scored the overtime winner while shorthanded on Tuesday night, giving him 11 goals and 22 points (tied for the league lead) in 14 playoff games.

“He’s a hard-working, inspirational guy who has skill,” said Paddock, who called Wong one of the WHL’s most valuable players. “He’s physical. He jumps a couple feet in the air when he hits guys and doesn’t get called.”

Gamesmanship aside, Paddock emphasized that the Pats must focus on their own game against the Hurricanes. That said, there are clearly a few names who warrant some attention, including Wong, centre Giorgio Estephan, goalie Stuart Skinner and defenceman Brennan Menell.

“Those are their top players so they are key,” added Paddock. “Estephan and Wong, going into (Game 7), they were on the ice for 13 of the 21 goals that Lethbridge had scored in the series. I’d say they should be paid attention to.”

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